Security Deposits
We might require a security deposit when service is requested, depending on an applicant’s credit record. Deposits cannot be required on the basis of where you live, your race, sex, age, national origin or marital status. The deposit is security that the final bill will be paid and cannot be used to pay current or delinquent bills.
Policy for New Customers
We use information from national credit reporting agencies and previous utility credit history to determine whether a security deposit is necessary. Customers with established credit or good utility payment history might not be charged a security deposit.
Policy for Existing Customers
If you are a current Columbia Gas customer or a former customer applying for a new account, a deposit won’t be necessary unless:
- You have received three or more delinquent notices in the last year.
- You have failed to make payments according to a payment arrangement set up to pay past-due bills
- Your service has been shut off due to non-payment.
If a deposit is required, the amount is based on one-twelfth (1/12) of your estimated annual usage plus 30 percent and will be billed at the time you apply for service.
Instead of a deposit, we may accept a signed contract by a second party who guarantees payment for 60 days of your gas usage.
The security deposit is held for one year. If you maintain a good payment record during the year, the deposit plus interest at a rate set by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) is applied to your gas account.